Newsroom / CNA
A 3.5-month-old infant is in serious condition at Makarios Hospital in Nicosia after being diagnosed with meningitis, marking the fourth reported case of the disease in Cyprus since the start of 2025.
The infant was transferred early Monday from Famagusta General Hospital. Medical staff are making every effort to stabilize the child, officials said.
This latest case follows the April 9 death of a 17-year-old at Nicosia General Hospital after a prolonged stay in intensive care due to bacterial meningitis. Earlier this year, a 16-year-old student and another infant were also hospitalized with the disease.
Health Ministry officials reiterated that meningococcus, the bacteria responsible for meningitis, spreads through close personal contact involving respiratory droplets. Individuals at highest risk include household members, classmates, or co-workers in enclosed spaces.
Casual contact does not typically pose a risk, and no environmental disinfection or school closures are deemed necessary.
The Ministry emphasized prevention through good hygiene practices such as covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and not sharing personal items. Two types of meningococcal vaccines, MenACWY and MenB, are available in Cyprus, with the former provided free under the national immunization program.
